A hack perfect for summer is to add bows to the side of your Mila pants. Not only is it a cute detail but it's also the perfect pants when it's warm outside (or the weather shifts throughout the day) and you don't want to wear shorts.
To make this hack, you will need the Mila pants and shorts sewing pattern and instructions. Follow the instructions in the booklet and deviate when this blog post tell you to.
SHOP THE MILA PANTS AND SHORTS
PREPARE THE PANTS PATTERN
We will place notches at the side seam on all the front and back leg pieces to indicate where to stop sewing and where to place the four bows.
Stop sewing here notch: Place a notch 12 cm (4 3/4") below the pocket notch. You will sew down to here. Make sure you backstitch as this point will be subject to a lot of stress.
Bow notches: Place the first bow notch 6 cm (2 3/8") below the "stop sewing here notch". From the hem, place the bottom bow notch 20 cm (8") above the hemline. Place the two other bow notches equal distance between these two notches.
MAKE THE BOW PATTERN PIECE
You will need 16 tie bow straps to get 4 ties on each leg. Cut out 16 rectangles in the following measurements 4 cm (1 5/8") wide and 30 cm (11 3/4") long.
SEW THE BOW STRAPS
There are a few ways you can sew the bow straps. You can sew them right sides together and turn them right sides out (clean finish), or you can fold the raw edge in and topstitch them closed. I will explain both ways so you can choose which aesthetic and method you want to choose.
CLEAN FINISH
Fold the straps in half lengthwise, right sides together. Sew the long edge and one short edge closed, using a 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance.
Trim the seam allowance down to half its width and trim the corner to reduce bulk.
Insert a loop turner in the opening and push it through the fabric at the short closed edge. Close the loop turner opening and pull it right side out. This might be a little tricky, but take your time, you will get there! Press the straps flat.
TOPSTITCH FINISH
Fold one of the short edges 1 cm (3/8") to the wrong side and press.
Fold the strap in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press. Open it up and press the raw edges in towards the crease in the middle. Press.
Fold in half, enclosing the raw edges, and edgestitch closed.
ASSEMBLE THE PANTS
Follow the instructions in the booklet and deviate when this blog post tell you to.
2. STAYSTITCH CROTCH CURVE
After you have stay stitched the crotch curves, place the bow straps on the bow notches and sew in place using a 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance. Repeat on all leg pieces.
Continue sewing at step 3 in the sewing instructions.
4. SIDE SEAM
Place the front and back legs right sides together. Sew around the pocket and stop sewing at the "stop sewing here" notch. Make sure you backstitch.
Press the pocket toward the front and press the seam allowance below the pocket open. At the slit, press 1 cm (3/8") to the wrong side.
Topstitch the seam allowance in place. When you reach the top of the slit, stitch across, and then back down.
You can now tie your bows!
Continue sewing at step 5 in the sewing instructions.
I hope you enjoy this hack! If you end up sharing it on Instagram, please tag me (@michelledesignco) so I get to see your beautiful pants!